Is social anxiety holding you back from the life you know you could have?
Social anxiety rarely announces itself. It slips into the moments you wish felt simple. One minute you’re fine, and the next your mind jumps ahead, your stomach tightens, or you’re rehearsing what to say before you even open your mouth.
You start dreading things you want to enjoy.
You overthink moments long after they’re over.
You cancel plans because the thought of going feels more intense than the plan itself.
Maybe you’ve noticed things like:
- worrying about how you sound, look, or come across
- freezing or going quiet when attention is on you
- feeling your heart race before needing to introduce yourself
- dreading being on camera in virtual meetings
- avoiding unplanned calls because they feel too intense
- wanting connection, but avoiding it because it feels easier
- struggling to join group conversations without feeling awkward
If you’re reading this and thinking, “this is me,” you’re not alone. Social anxiety can quietly take over the moments that matter most, making it harder to show up as the version of yourself you know is in there.
Many Canadians turn to therapy at Shift Collab to understand these patterns, feel more grounded in social moments, and rebuild the confidence social anxiety has been holding back.
Why Canadians choose Shift Collab for support with social anxiety
Our therapists specialize in social anxiety and understand how deeply it can affect your confidence, relationships, and daily life. In therapy, you get support that helps you break out of unhelpful patterns, quiet the anxious thoughts that take over, and feel more at ease in the moments that matter. The support is personalized, approachable, and designed to help you let go of constant self-doubt and build the kind of confidence you’ve been wanting for years.
16,000+
Canadian clients supported
125+
Psychotherapists + Social Workers
80+
Clinical specialties
97%
Of clients are highly satisfied with their care
100%
Virtual— therapy anytime, any place
Therapy for social anxiety might be right for you if you want to...
enjoy social plans instead of dreading them
feel less tense and overwhelmed day to day
feel more comfortable and confident in your daily interactions
get support from a therapist who understands social anxiety and what it’s really like
speak up in conversations, meetings, or group settings without freezing
stop replaying conversations in your head all night
What social anxiety therapy looks like at Shift
Therapy for social anxiety isn’t about pushing you into situations before you’re ready. It’s about learning skills, building confidence, and practicing real strategies.
In therapy at Shift, you might:
- learn how to interrupt spiraling thoughts in real time
- practice tools to calm your body before or during social moments
- role-play conversations so you feel more prepared and less tense
- build small, achievable steps toward the social life you want
- unpack the fears that fuel your anxiety and learn how to challenge them
- understand the patterns that make social situations feel so intense
What makes therapy for social anxiety at Shift Collab different
Work with a top tier therapist who has been carefully selected. Only about 5 percent of applicants join our team and our clinicians bring an average of 11 years of experience.
With 125 plus therapists, we match you with someone who specializes in social anxiety and understands any other areas you want support in.
If you're not totally satisfied with your therapist after 30 days, we'll rematch you and give you a free session.
Access therapy from anywhere in Canada, seven days a week, with no wait times. Virtual sessions make it easier to open up in a space where you feel comfortable.
See why over 16,000+ Canadians choose us.
Meet our therapists who specialize in social anxiety👋
Meet our therapists who specialize in social anxiety👋
Ready to tackle your social anxiety in therapy?
Our care team is here to match you with a therapist who’s a great fit. Use the form to tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get back to you with handpicked therapist recommendations.
Have questions before getting started? Use the form to tell us what you’re curious about and our care team will reach out with answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety that shows up in social or performance situations. It often involves worry about being judged, embarrassed, or not coming across the right way.
It can affect your confidence and make certain moments feel more stressful than they should.
How do I know if I have social anxiety or if I am just shy?
Shyness is a personality trait. Social anxiety is when fear or worry starts to get in the way of your daily life, your work, your relationships, or your confidence.
If social situations feel draining, overwhelming, or limit how you show up, it may be more than shyness.
Why do I get so nervous speaking in meetings or group settings?
Many people with social anxiety worry about how they will be perceived, which can make meetings or group moments feel intense. Your mind may jump to worst-case scenarios, which creates physical symptoms like tension, shakiness, or a racing heart.
Why do I overthink conversations or replay them in my head?
People with social anxiety often replay moments to check for mistakes or to reassure themselves they did not do anything “wrong.” This habit is rooted in wanting to be accepted and avoid judgment, even when nothing actually went wrong.
Can online therapy help with social anxiety?
Absolutely. Online therapy can be a game-changer for social anxiety. Connecting from a space where you feel comfortable can make it easier to open up, learn new strategies, and start building confidence in real-life situations.
It’s a flexible, approachable way to get the support you deserve.
What happens in therapy for social anxiety?
Your therapist will help you understand your patterns, learn coping skills, and gradually feel more confident in situations that used to feel stressful. You will work at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
How long does it take to see progress with social anxiety?
Everyone is different, but many people notice shifts within a few weeks. Small changes in how you think, respond, or show up often add up to meaningful progress over time.
Can therapy help with social anxiety at work or during networking events?
Absolutely. Many clients come to therapy specifically for work-related anxiety. Your therapist can help you build confidence for meetings, presentations, difficult conversations, group settings, and networking situations.
How do you match me with the right therapist?
Our care team reads your note carefully and recommends a therapist who understands social anxiety and are licensed in your province. We consider your goals, preferences, and any other areas you want support with.
Where can I learn more about social anxiety?
You can explore our therapist-written articles on social anxiety to learn how to recognize the signs and discover practical, compassionate ways to cope.
A great place to start is with this blog, written by Shift therapist Arpita Parikh, who specializes in social anxiety: 5 Ways to Manage Social Anxiety And Live Your Best Life. It offers simple, grounded strategies you can begin using right away.
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